How Kriemhild Received Hagan, XXXVI–XLI

"Fain would I learn," said Etzel, "if any here can tell, Who is that champion yonder, whom Dietrich greets so well. He is a man of mettle as I can guess by sight; Whoever is his father, sure he's a peerless knight."

Then spake a man of Kriemhild's, "I'll tell you all I can. That knight was born at Trony, his sire was Aldrian. Though now he plays the courtier, he is a champion stern. That I've not lied unto you, Sir King, you soon may learn."

"That he's so stern a champion, how can I ever see?" Of all the craft and cunning nothing yet knew he, Wherewith about her kinsmen the queen her toils had wound, That not a soul among them came back from Hunnish ground.

"Well knew I once good Aldrian; my man was he of yore. With me much praise and honor obtain'd he heretofore; 'Twas I, a knight who dubb'd him, and gave him of my gold. I could not but befriend him for true was he and bold.

"So all that touches Hagan, I've known for many a year. Of old two noble children my hostages were here, He and the Spaniard Walter; here each grew up to man. At last I sent home Hagan; Walter off with Hildgund ran."

So thought the king with pleasure on what had happ'd of yore. His former friend of Trony he gladly saw once more, Who with high deeds of knighthood in youth had serv'd his ends, But in age spread wide destruction among his dearest friends.